Questions: When an infant feels something near their mouth, they intuitively latch on. What is this reflex called?
Rooting reflex
Swallowing reflex
Sucking reflex
Moro reflex
Transcript text: When an infant feels something near their mouth, they intuitively latch on. What is this reflex called?
Rooting reflex
Swallowing reflex
Sucking reflex
Moro reflex
Solution
The answer is the first one: Rooting reflex.
Explanation for each option:
Rooting reflex: This is the correct answer. The rooting reflex is an automatic response in infants when they feel something near their mouth. They turn their head towards the stimulus and open their mouth, preparing to latch on and feed.
Swallowing reflex: This reflex involves the automatic swallowing of food or liquid once it is in the mouth. It is not related to the initial action of latching onto something near the mouth.
Sucking reflex: This reflex is the action of sucking on an object that is in the mouth. While related to feeding, it occurs after the rooting reflex has helped the infant latch onto the object.
Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, this is an involuntary response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, where the infant throws their arms out and then pulls them back in. It is unrelated to feeding or latching.
In summary, the rooting reflex is the reflex that causes an infant to latch onto something near their mouth.